California’s Rim Fire explodes to over 105,000 acres

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A CAL FIRE S-2 tanker makes a drop over the Rim Fire aiding firefighters on the ground in containing the blaze.

TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CA – The Rim Fire in Tuolumne County has burned over 105,000 acres just west of Yosemite National Park.

According to Cal Fire, as of Friday morning the fire has burned 105,620 acres and is only 2 percent contained.

Over 2,000 firefighters are on the scene including a contingent from Sacramento Metropolitan Fire.

A number of areas have been evacuated and Highway 120, the main road leading into the park, remains closed.

CAL FIRE firefighter lighting a back fire to help remove fuels ahead of the Rim Fire to slow its progress.

On Thursday California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency as the fire grew to 99 square miles and was only 1 percent contained. Since that time the fire has doubled in size.

Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Deputies went door to door on Thursday in the Pine Mountain Lake area where 268 homes are located asking residents to evacuate.

Officials asked for voluntary evacuations of more than a thousand other homes and two campgrounds. More homes, businesses and hotels are being threatened in Groveland, a community of 600.

So far two homes have been destroyed along with 7 out buildings.

The devastating effects from the Rim Fire on the Stanislaus National Forest.

Structure defense continues and Highway 120 is closed four miles west of Groveland Ranger Station and four miles east of Buck Meadows. Ferretti Road was closed and access to the fire is still a concern for fire crews and equipment

The fire continues to spread northwest burning past Butcher Knife Ridge and moving into Grapevine Creek; northeast up the Tuolumne River Drainage from the Gravel Range past Jones Point Lookout; and continue to spread southeast edge along Hwy 120 to the east.

In the next 24 hours the fire is expected to continue up the Tuolumne River canyon, and continue its spread to the north and east.